Spectacular marked by events, fireworks

By Helen Ford Wallace

Published: November 25, 2007

SPARKLING SCENE • The Oklahoma Centennial Spectacular Show celebrated 100 years of history.

The 100th birthday event featured wonderful entertainment, beautiful singing, excellent music, gorgeous stars, major confetti, giant balloons, dancers, early day photography and a birthday cake.

Following the star-studded event at the Ford Center was an after party at the Petroleum Club. Partying on two floors, VIP guests were entertained by members of the Oklahoma Centennial Commission and Oklahoma Events. White orchids were everywhere. They were stacked in large vases for the tables and the orchids were hanging, jungle style, from lights.

Centennial etched glasses were used for drinks and star-shaped ice sculptures were on the tables.

T-Byrd Gordon played while guests mixed and mingled and watched the Centennial fireworks celebration from the 34th floor of the building. Some of the group danced until 2 a.m.

In the crowd were Pam and Bill Shdeed, Willard Scott, Ann and Burns Hargis, Gene Rainbolt, Carrie and Ryan Leonard, Amy and Chris Reen, Becky and Barry Switzer, Kelly and Chris Fry, Jane and David Thompson, Cathy Freede, Lana and David Lopez, Molly Shi and David Boren, Vicki and Leland Gourley, Blake Wade, DeLee Smith, Gemma Smith, McKenzie Brunsdon, Elizabeth Brunsdon, Jennifer Kiersch and Jennifer Brunsdon.

Also U.P. Rep. Mary Fallin, Kim and Gov. Brad Henry, Shirley Jones, Jimmy Webb, Bill Miller, Benny Garcia, Shannon Nance, Jane Jayroe Gamble, Gerald Gamble, Carla and Dick Ellis, Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, Valerie and Brad Naifeh,Graham, Mollie and Clay Bennett, Jenny and Dr. David Kallenberger, Kathy and Ed Martin, DeAnn and Lee Allan Smith and Blake Wade.

WHITNEY AND CLAY • Dee and John Harris were hosts for a shower honoring Whitney Monahan and Clay Moss. Co-hosts were Rawsie and Sonny Boyles, Barbara Boyles, Cristi and Jeb Bucher, Ann and Burns Hargis, Marilyn and Jack Henley, Lee Ann and Jim Kuhlman, Anne and Bob Looney, Tessa and Travis Moss, Carol and Fred Smith, Andy and Mike Snyder, Nancy and Charlie Newton, Linda and Rudy Hiersche, Shelley and Leland Welker, Susan and Pat Sigmon, Barbara and David Crandall and Joe Ann and Alan Terrill.

Among the guests were Grenda Moss, Sydney and Dick Turner, Maren Whitehead, Patty and Kent Cohenour and Karen and Jim Goins.

TOP HONORS • The University of Oklahoma Honors College board and faculty members attended a cocktail party in the home of Annie and Judge Richard Bohanon. Co-hosts were Barbara and Judge Ralph Thompson and Jean Warren. Warren, Ralph Thompson and Richard Bohanon are board members.

Other people at the party were Lolly and Dr. Michael Anderson, Jane Harlow, Sarah and Dan Hogan, Polly Nichols, Jeanne Hoffman Smith and Beth and Jim Tolbert.

ROW YOUR BOAT • Sponsors and donors of the fourth annual Devon Energy Centennial river parade were asked to drop by the VIP Tent along the riverbank where they had front row seats for the event. Hot chocolate, coffee, wine and chocolate chip cookies were served by hosts, the river parade organization.

Guests also enjoyed the fireworks show sponsored by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission. The new Devon Energy river cruiser "Devon Discovery” was christened before the river parade and then was the lead boat. Parade chairmen were Mike McAuliffe and Ron Norick.

TAKE A BOW • M.J. Van Deventer was honored at a dinner at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. She has retired after 17 years as Persimmon Hill magazine editor.

Among the guests were Ray Gerdes, Kathi and Charles Schroeder, Terry Zinn, Cindy and J.R. Hazelwood, Phyllis and Neil Luebke, Bob Allee, Marguerite Shelton, Joy Reed and John Belt, Barbara Allee, Irma Elliott, LaDonna Meinders, Lynda Haller, Betty Biewen, Leslie Baker, Edna Mae and Harold Holden, Carol and Martin Dickinson, Gayla and Joe Ownbey, Mike Leslie, Joan Gilmore, Al McLaughlin, Glenda Carlile and Elizabeth and Ray Meares.

A book author, she also teaches at the University of Central Oklahoma and writes for The Oklahoman.

A REUNION • Tom Knott was host for a reunion of people who recently traveled together for 10 days in Russia and Poland. Guests included Ann Ackerman, Jean and Robert Harbison, Sarah and Kevin Musset, Katie Musset, Gary Roberts, Jim Mcdill, Lynn Jones, Mary Jane Calvey, Tony Pickel, Penny Tullius and Charlotte and Joe Edwards, Helle Males, Hershel Lamirand and Eileen Leonard.

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